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Image shows a green background with text "Things to Do: Vacation Anticipation Guide" with photos on the left of a pier, someone surfing at sunset, and a little boy looking at a shark at an aquarium.

Are you excited for your Outer Banks vacation? There are so many fun and exciting things to do during your stay. Whether you plan to spend your days having watersports adventures, visiting the local sites, fishing, or just relaxing on the beach, there is no shortage of amazing things to do to make your Outer Banks vacation unforgettable. Keep reading for a list of things to do to get you even more excited for your upcoming vacation!

NC Aquarium Roanoke Island

Few educational places out there excite both kids and adults the way that aquariums do. The concept and design of aquariums has come a long way in the era of environmental preservation and for those that exist for the purpose of research, education and conservation, they can be a great resource to the local ecology. In fact, USA Today recently named the aquarium #7 in the Top 10 Best Aquariums in North America! If you love the Outer Banks and learning about marine life, take a short drive to Manteo and experience this aquarium in Outer Banks, NC for yourself! The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island celebrates the unique geography and diverse ecosystem of the Outer Banks and is a great place to spend the afternoon!

Corolla Wild Horse Tours

No visit to the Outer Banks is complete without getting a first-hand view of one of our most precious treasures - the Corolla Wild Horses. Bob's Wild Horse Tours, owned and operated by local resident Bob White, began in 1996 when his father gave some visitors a tour of the 4WD beach area. Today, Bob's Wild Horse Tours uses open-air safari trucks designed to give riders great views of the beach and of course - the horses! In order to protect the horses, it is illegal to get within 50 feet so taking a professional tour is the best way to watch these majestic beasts without accidentally impeding on their territory. Tours are perfect for families and kids of all ages and if you love wild animals, you'll love observing these historic creatures roaming the beach!

Visit an Outer Banks Pier

The Outer Banks has a wide variety of piers that are open to the public (one exception) that are perfect for fishing, walking, and enjoying amazing views right over the Atlantic ocean. Some OBX piers even have special activities like arcades and aquariums. Be sure to check out our Fishing Fanatics Outer Banks Trip Planner to learn how to make the most of your fishing time. Find out more: Outer Banks Piers.

Go Surfing

When you’re looking for breaking waves on the Outer Banks, it’s not always as simple as grabbing your board and heading east until you hit the sand. Yes, the OBX is famous for some of the best breaks on the east coast. However, they’re not always as easy to locate as those off the Pacific. We asked some true OBX locals some of their go-tos for frequent swells. Graciously, they decided to divulge some of their favorite hot spots in our Best Surf Spots on the OBX Guide.

Shopping

In addition to going to the beach, taking a hang gliding adventure, or enjoying all the fun and history that the Outer Banks has to offer, you’ll also find that the Outer Banks has a wide variety of shops and boutiques to pique your interest and find something for everyone in your family to love. You’ll find everything from sportswear to formal clothing, designer handbags to charming art galleries, mementos to bring back home, and everything in between. Find a wide variety of gifts so that you can not only bring back memories from your Outer Banks vacation but take back a bit of the beach with you. Find out more in our Outer Banks Shopping Guide.

Driving on the Beaches

One of the best things about visiting the Outer Banks is the ability to drive your Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) directly on the beach in many places. However, it’s important to keep in mind that driving on the sand is very different from driving on payment. There are many important things to know and prepare for before you decide to take your 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicle off the road and onto the beach. See our Driving on the Beaches of the Outer Banks Guide.

Visit Outer Banks Breweries and Beer Gardens

To be a thin stretch of barrier islands, the Outer Banks certainly isn’t short on fun places to try tasty craft beers. Breweries on the OBX are not your run-of-the-mill bars with standard brews. The establishments in the area try to offer more of an eclectic selection and scene. Most even offer local options that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Check them out here.

Visit an Art Gallery

The Outer Banks is known for its local "flavor" - fresh seafood, unique shopping, and southern charm. But did you know that we've also got tons of local art galleries and studios? Here you'll find a wide variety of art created by local and regional artists. From paintings, photography, and pottery to jewelry, glass, wood, ceramics, fibers, candles, and more, the art scene on the Outer Banks is a plethora of local talent. Check out our Art Aficionado Outer Banks Trips Planner for more information.

Now that you can start planning things to do, check out our Travel Tips and Things to See to get even more excited for your Outer Banks vacation!

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